Love seeing so many posts after a match and they are positive! I'm only halfway through the thread but here's some thoughts from me that absolutely nobody demanded:
- We controlled the ball beautifully and in stark contrast to the week before. Bolts has talked about how 'coachable' this group is before and this is a great example; a complete 180 on the ball control from last game. We selected a tall team again, but this time it worked because we played to our strength (height). This is something that is often overlooked - playing the game style to suit your team is far more important that getting some arbitrary 'team balance' right. The balance is relative to your game plan. We got that balance right.
- Tackling pressure was good in our F50. Could probably lift a little more around the ground, but the low numbers might be explained by the above team selection point.
- We used the middle of the park when it was on and did it pretty well. Sexy.
- Listened to Bevo's post-game presser and I liked hearing him praise the way our defenders play as a unit. Seems they are demanding respect from opposition coaches and teams. Excellent.
- Good to see some love for the Plow. He hasn't deserved the criticism this year. After round 3 he was rated the 7th best general defender in the comp.
- Loved Walsh's celebratory "V" for Vanilla sign at the end
- Polson didn't get much of it but the pressure was there. His shepherd set up Gibbons' first goal. Gotta lift or risk being dropped for Cunners.
- LOB had a down game but never stops trying. I think he will get there but it will just be a slower burn. I reckon he will be a lot like Isaac Smith who was drafted later than usual. Except now we have him in our system for a few years before he is ready to go bang.
The big question is whether this is a turning point or a flash in the pan. Can't wait to find out